Pakistan has clarified that it will not boycott the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to show solidarity with Bangladesh, despite speculation about a potential joint stand. Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have dismissed reports indicating a possible withdrawal from the tournament, which is scheduled to commence on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
The controversy arose from the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) reluctance to send its team to India for their group-stage matches, citing security concerns. The situation escalated after Mustafizur Rahman's IPL contract was terminated, prompting the BCB to formally request the ICC to relocate Bangladesh's matches from India. However, the ICC's security assessment reportedly found negligible threat levels at the Indian venues, weakening Bangladesh's appeal.
Fueled by the Bangladesh government, the BCB has persisted in seeking alternatives, including a proposal to swap groups with Ireland. Bangladesh is currently in Group C and is scheduled to play three matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. A group swap would move them to Group B, where matches are scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka.
Amidst these developments, reports emerged that Bangladesh had approached Pakistan for diplomatic and cricketing support. However, the PCB has firmly denied any intention of boycotting the tournament. A source close to the PCB told RevSportz that Pakistan has no grounds to withdraw, especially since their own matches are already scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. The source further suggested that the boycott-related speculation was unfounded and designed to create controversy.
While Pakistani media outlets acknowledged that Bangladesh had reached out to Islamabad for support, the PCB official has affirmed its commitment to the ICC event. The PCB has also expressed a willingness to host Bangladesh's matches if necessary, provided that venues in Sri Lanka are unavailable. Pakistan has reportedly communicated this option to the ICC. However, it appears unlikely that the ICC will revise the tournament schedule at this late stage.
The BCB has until 5 pm (Dubai time) on January 21 to inform the ICC of their decision.
In the meantime, the PCB has reportedly asked the team management to prepare a contingency plan in case Pakistan decides not to participate in the tournament. However, a source close to the PCB has stated that Pakistan has no grounds to withdraw, as their matches are already scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. The source added that such speculations are merely attempts to "fire up the issue".
